8 Places You've Forgotten to Clean

Keeping a home clean is a common part of life. Every day it's either doing the dishes, the laundry, vacuuming or some other cleaning-related task. However, there are probably plenty of areas that haven't been cleaned in months-and are in desperate need of a good cleansing. Here are 8 places you've probably never thought (or perhaps it just slipped your mind) to clean.

8. The Remote

Everyone touches the TV remote, but when's the last time you wiped it down or cleaned it off? Chances are it's got hardened, crusty, or sticky food on at least one of the buttons. Yuck.

7. Your Keyboard

If you're like me, your computer is practically attached to your hip. However, it too, needs to be wiped down every once in a while. Just avoid using liquids and make sure the machine is off and has ample time to property dry prior to turning it back on. A disinfectant wipe swiped over the keys will do just fine.

6. Door Knobs

Like the remote, everyone touches the door knobs. Unfortunately, they probably don't get wiped down as often as they should. Consider working them into your weekly cleaning routine, as door knobs can aid in spreading germs to other members of your family.

5. Behind Appliances

The refrigerator, the stove, dishwasher and any other appliances in your home (such as the washer and dryer,) probably have a build up of dust, dirt and grime behind and beneath them. Even if you don't have the time to clean these areas every week, consider every month or every two months.

4. The Sponge in the Kitchen Sink

That's right, you use it every day to wash down countertops or clean the dishes; but when's the last time you cleaned the sponge? That's what I thought. Next time you do a load of towels, consider tossing the sponge in with them. You don't need to dry it in the dryer though.

3. Window Tracks

Perhaps you open a window to let fresh air in. Perhaps your cat sits there. Whatever goes on in your window, remember that the window tracks too, need to be cleaned every once in a while.

2. Pet Dishes

This doesn't apply to everyone, but if you own a cat or a dog (or even a hamster or snake,) when's the last time you stopped to clean their bowl? Consider washing out your pet's bowl after every meal, just as you would your own plate. Remember, that bacteria on the pet's bowl can get transferred to your child when Max the Dog gives a big, sloppy kiss.

1. The Tops of Everything!

This one is a little more inclusive, but when's the last time you dusted off the top of your refrigerator, the ledges above your doors or windows or even the top of your shower rod. Dust is everywhere and even if you can't get to it all every week, you can at least do it once every other month to cut down on the overall amount of dust. Or, consider rotating an area to be dusted every week (i.e., the door tops one week, the ceiling fans the next week and so on.)